What Is Glass Hair and How Can You Get It

First came the K-beauty glass skin trend, then we got glassy lips and glossy eye shadow looks. Now, the latest hairstyle trend, loved by celebrities and hairstylists alike, is glass hair. All of these glass-inspired looks have one thing in common, and no, they don’t involve any real glass! Rather, the goal of each look is to create a high-shine finish that mimics the appearance of glass. In other words, the look should be as shiny as possible. When we’re talking about glass hair, it’s all about a sharp cut and straight, silky strands that reflect light at every angle. And while we’ll admit that many hairstyle trends can be tough to re-create at home, the sleek glass hair look is easier than most to achieve and style. Read on to learn how to get the glass hair look for yourself.

HOW TO GET GLASS HAIR

How do you get glass hair? Simply follow the steps below for high-shine hair.

STEP 1: EVEN OUT YOUR ENDS

First things first, if you’re overdue for a trim or are fully committed to the glass hair look, consider getting a haircut to even out your length. As many red carpets and social media posts will show, the typical cut for rocking glass hair is shoulder-length hair with ends that are an even length. With the right styling tools and products, however, you can achieve a glassy look with just about any hair length. Just remember, longer strands are tougher to keep pin-straight, and that’s what you’ll want for this look.

STEP 2: START WITH A CLEAN SLATE

It's best to start off with clean locks, so before you begin styling, hop in the shower and wash your hair with your favorite moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. For this glossy look, you’ll want to keep your hair as hydrated as possible, so make sure you’re reaching for a shampoo and conditioner that will promote as much shine as possible. We particularly love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Conditioner.

You can also incorporate a hair treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment, into your regular hair care routine for silkier, shinier locks.

If you have particularly dry or damaged hair, consider opting for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner instead.

Editor’s tip: If you’re considering skimping on hair care, don’t! This look is all about light-reflective locks, which will be impossible to achieve if your hair is dried out, under-nourished, or frizzy.

STEP 3: BLOW DRY HAIR STRAIGHT

The whole premise of glass hair is to have super straight strands, so whatever your natural hair texture is, you’ll likely need to blow dry your hair straight before you begin to really style this look. And don’t forget to prep your hair with a heat-protectant spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, before reaching for the blow-dryer!

STEP 4: FLAT IRON IN SECTIONS

Once your hair is dry, grab your flat iron. Straighten your hair in small sections—again, the goal is perfectly straight hair, so don’t rush through this step. For the smoothest finish possible, run through your strands with a boar-bristle brush once you finish straightening.

STEP 5: FINISH WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

How do hairdressers make your hair so shiny? It’s all about using the right finishing products. To get that glass-like finish, run a bit of an oil-based hair serum through the lengths and ends of your hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment. Lastly, you’ll want to set your look and protect against humidity with some hair spray. Choose a hairspray that’s formulated to leave hair with a pretty sheen, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray.

And there you have it! Snap a selfie and share your new glass hair with the world. One last word to the wise: When it comes to rocking the glass hair trend, humidity is not your friend (is it ever!?). So, just keep in mind that a rainy or warm day may not be the best time to test-drive this look.

Ready to try out another hairstyle trend? Next, learn How to Achieve an Effortless Messy Ponytail or educate yourself on How to Backcomb and Tease Your Hair so you can create more voluminous hairstyles.